#team-news

#team-news

Starting with the hosts, while Thomas Tuchel might have only officially taken charge earlier in the year, the former Chelsea boss already has some serious pressure on his shoulders. Last seen putting in a nightmare performance at the City Ground as they slumped to a shock 3-1 loss at the hands of Senegal, England are seeking an immediate response when they get their World Cup qualifying campaign underway on Saturday evening.

Villa and Palace are each searching for their first win of the new campaign, the hosts having taken one point from their opening two games. Palace settled for draws with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park, while speculation of a move to Liverpool continues to swirl around Palace captain Marc Guehi. But contrasting decisions have been made about their involvement in this fixture.

Both sides boast perfect starts to the new season, with reigning champions Liverpool coming into the game off the back of a dramatic last-gasp victory over Newcastle on Monday, while the Gunners swept aside Leeds United at the Emirates last weekend. Arne Slot's men could make history, with just one goal required to set a new club record of scoring in 37 consecutive league matches, however, Mikel Arteta's defence is yet to be breached this term.

Eventually storming their way to a sensational 5-1 romp in Poland, Thorsten Fink's side hold what is a dominant advantage when they return to the Cegeka Arena on Thursday night. Despite struggling to find any real domestic stability since opening up the 2025/26 campaign, the Blues have turned a recent corner. Securing a 2-1 win against Leuven, Genk have registered consecutive victories for the first time this season.

With a Champions League group stage ticket hanging in the balance on Wednesday night, Benfica will welcome Fenerbahce to Lisbon for a blockbuster second-leg showdown. Starting with the hosts, putting in a gritty performance on foreign soil last week as they eventually left Istanbul with a 0-0 stalemate, Benfica should be relishing a return to the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have got the 2025/26 campaign underway with an action-packed 4-2 defeat away at defending champions Liverpool on August 15th, Andoni Iraola's men should take plenty of positives from their bright start to proceedings. Putting a maiden Premier League victory on the board last weekend as they landed a 1-0 victory at home against Wolves, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has seen his squad gain plenty of plaudits from across England's elite.

"Strasbourg embarked on a sensational rise under Liam Rosenior, securing a seventh-place finish among France's elite last season and achieving a gritty 1-0 victory away at Metz."

Liam Crowley notes the excitement of the fans during the kick-off game in Dublin, highlighting the sea of red shirts and the positive atmosphere.

If Tom Farrell has one of his nights tonight and the lineout operates, they have a chance, but with Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi in the team, you need to be perfect.

Real Betis have solidified their spot as a European dark horse, booking their semi-final position with a strong 5-1 victory last time out.

Bayern Munich welcomes back Leon Goretzka for the Mainz match, while Thomas Müller and Jonas Urbig will miss it due to illness, impacting the team's lineup.